Christine's Royalty.net - Special Occasions

Special Report from Oslo

On August 24th, 2001 I arrived in Oslo for the wedding. I had been hiking in Troms (Sami-land/Lapland) for two weeks and prolonged my stay in beautiful Norge.

On the evening before the wedding, I met with my friends Dag Hoelseth (Norwegian) and Netty Leistra (Dutch) at the Karl Johans Gate to see something of the wedding festivities at Akershus. We were joined by Stig from Denmark and Daniel from the USA. As Netty and Dag had their press cards; Stig, Daniel and I followed another route towards Akershus, but managed to see most of the guests arrive (we could only see them in the car). I saw all the royals (including Queen Sonja, King Harald, the bridal couple and of course my own Willem-Alexander and Máxima!). We watched the Royal Guards presenting their arms and the music that was played. One of things I found most particular is that I saw almost no male police on horses; they were all women!

Afterwards we went to the press entrance where we were rejoined with Dag and Netty. The five of us then went on to Maud's; where we met with Marianne and daughter Simone; Monica, Lena and Torkel. Dag really did arrange a beautiful meal for us, many thanks! Afterwards I went to my hostel Haraldsheim.

The day of the wedding started early. I met with my Dutch friend Jan and 11.00u at the Radhus. He made the Dutch part of an exhibition on the relation of European Royalty to Norway's Royal House.

At this exhibition I was interviewed by a Dutch journalist who also works for the newspaper 'De Gelderlander'. Dutch readers can read the article in which I was quoted here. (It was they're main article on the wedding!). After drinking some coffee, it was really time to go to the Oslo Dom Cathedral; I knew otherwise I would not have a good place. I was there at 12.15u and had a good spot but hours to wait in a crowded environment. It took until 15.15u for the first guests to arrive.

But it was worth waiting! I managed to see all of the Royal guests arrive; including Felipe of Spain who got a uge 'Eva Eva Eva' welcome by the crowded (they of course had seen Eva Sannum; Felipe's Norwegian girl friend; arrive). We also saw Máxima and Alexander arrive, they're the next to marry!

The bride looked wonderful in her silk dress. I managed to see something of what was happening inside on the big screen at Stortorvet (place in front of the Dom). I did not wait until the end of the service, I wanted a good spot in front of the palace for the balcony scene. So I left for the palace at 17.30u. This was a good choice.

I arrived at the palace about 45 minutes later; the couple just went inside, but I managed to see the jets passing the palace over the air. Here I was photographed by a photographer from Aftenposten; one of Norway's leading newspapers. Unfortunately I was not in the newspaper the next day.

The balcony scene was marvelous; the couple kept kissing and waving. It was great when Mette-Marit took Marius; this was so great. I kept waving with my flag; unfortunately the pictures I took were too dark; this was the only 'bad' thing on this wonderful day.

After the balcony scene I reunited with Dag, Stig and Netty for a meal, we took some Italian food. The four of use visited the press center; Netty and I went on to the harbour for a wonderful open air concert by Norway's Opera. Due to lak of time, we had to leave within 15 minutes; we didn't want to miss out on the next balcony scene (with fireworks) which was to start at 11 o'clock.

At the palace, Netty was reunited with Dag in the press corner; I left them and stayed within the crowed. 15 minutes before the fireworks where to start, we had a big rainshower; all of use got wet, but it didn't spoil my evening. Precily at eleven the guests came on the balcony; to finish with Haakon and Mette-Marit. Then the national anthem was played (Ja, vi elsker dette landet), everyone next to me sang it. I had practiced so I also sang the national anthem! Then the fireworks came; it was great, now Marius also waved and bride and groom looked so happy!

But as everything comes to an end, so did this wonderful day and I left again for Haraldsheim, knowing I was going to leave for The Hague the next day. But I will be back for a Royal Wedding, on February 2nd next year in Amsterdam!

The next morning I left for The Netherlands; with all my beautiful memories I boarded the SAS plane where I read all the newspapers I could get. After one and a half hours I was back in The Netherlands; it was extremely hot, took over half an hour before I had my backpack and the train was crowded with pushing people. What a difference! Now I know why I love Norway so much.

I have really fallen in love with this beautiful country; Jeg elsker deg kjaere Norge og kommer tillbake!

Many thanks to my friend Stig who made the picture on this page.

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